For Beau Westbrook--I'm not a poet, but then you wouldn't have cared:)

For Beau: You know I'm not a poet; but then you wouldn't have cared *chuckle*. I miss you.


He was Gruff and Grizzly--
A bit hard,
but all that bravado,
was just a facade.
That put a wall up to
Protect a beaten heart , still so raw

Charles ( Beau ) Westbrook
was not like any other guy.
He was sweet and decent.
But mostly on the inside.

The Electric Drill, I could not use,
But Beau taught me how to master it.
Just like a child
Learns to tie it's shoes.

We’re all going to miss you, Beau
(some more than others--of course)
 You liked to sing on the porch and get in a row
With a neighbor just to make the time go

The world is a somber place,
with out you in it
I know you would have stayed,
You worked hard to get fit
I know you’re safe in God’s arms
And for this old life that was a good trade.

So Goodbye--My friend
I know I'll see you again,
But the love you gave me,
though so brief
will take away my tears and grief.

I’ll always think of you fishing at the lake
How much you loved your sons and Elaine
A daughter somewhere and regrets that ached
How much you loved your mother was plain.

A true sailor you stayed
Chasing and loving women with humor
That elusive dollar you chased
But it wasn’t greed-it was to share with a few more
Lost souls to help with the problems they faced.

I wish you shared your love of music and art
I was your “golden-girl” though I didn’t like the name
You loved those chocolate cigars and mason jars
And that you were present for “Bikini Island” acclaim.
Not girls-but for the Nation you loved with all your heart
Thank you for the postcards from your collection
I really loved you Beau, my best friend from the start.

By collaboration:Joeseph Allegra and Gwen Hankins